Dukes's Vote Costs 3422 Travis County Kids Their Health Insurance

by: Brian Thompson

Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:31 PM CST

Rep. Dukes's vote against fully funding the Children's Health Insurance Program is a perfect example of why her allegiance to Republican Speaker Tom Craddick is an issue in this campaign.

Her vote against fully funding CHIP proves that pledging your absolute loyalty to this Republican Speaker means voting against the best interests of your district and denying at least 3422 Travis County children the health care they need.

Brian Thompson: "Proud To Announce"

by: Brian Thompson

Wed Dec 19, 2007 at 01:23 PM CST

This morning, I made it official by filing the requisite paperwork with the Travis County Democratic Party.

I am completely overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of support.  Last night's crowd of energized voters, community leaders and grassroots activists makes one thing abundantly clear; we want real change.  Last night our community showed that we want representatives who put the best interests of our families ahead of political opportunism.

This morning, the Austin American Statesman reported:

"In front of a boisterous crowd at an East Austin restaurant, Austin lawyer Brian Thompson kicked off his challenge Tuesday night to longtime state Rep. Dawnna Dukes.  Thompson targeted his fellow Democrat as out of step with the heavily Democratic district and too clubby with the state's Republican leadership, particularly Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick, a Midland Republican whom Dukes helped elect as that chamber's leader."

In that same article, the incumbent still refused to criticize or reject the Republican Speaker whom she supports and has voted for 3 times.  

My opponent has stood by her political mentors at the State Capitol even as their support has eroded across Texas.  After a stunning defeat last night in a special election in Fort Worth that was a clear referendum on Speaker Craddick, even their own, fellow Republicans are calling for Speaker Craddick's resignation.  I call on my opponent to join us in demanding a new direction for positive change.

It is increasingly clear that Texans are rejecting the insider deals that have marked the Craddick years.  It's time to start getting the job done for mainstream Texas families who work hard and play by the rules.

While I was talking to voters and kicking off this campaign in East Austin, and Democrats in Fort Worth were taking one more vote away from the Republican Speaker, the incumbent was trying to explain questionable and problematic expenditures not accurately reported on her campaign finance reports.  To see the incredibly revealing story, click here. The time for change has never been more apparent.

Join the campaign to bring better representation to East Austin by donating to the Brian Thompson campaign today.

Thank You for Your Unprecedented Support

by: Brian Thompson

Thu Dec 13, 2007 at 01:44 PM CST

In 7 short days, you have sent a clear and powerful message by contributing more than $6,410 online.

This is truly a testament to the power of this community.  I am extremely grateful for this unprecedented show of support.

It's going to take a Herculean effort to defeat a Craddick D who is funded by the largest Republican donor in Texas (Bob "Swift Boat" Perry) and a Republican PAC run by Speaker Craddick's very own spokesperson.  As each day passes, and more of you join this cause, I become more and more convinced that together, we can reclaim a vote and a voice at the State Capitol from Tom "Absolute Power" Craddick.

I have truly been inspired by the enthusiasm and support I have received from the dozens of East Austin activists and community leaders who continue to encourage me to run.  Their message has been uniform and resolute; our families are being left out of our city's prosperity at the same time the incumbent is supporting Tom Craddick's failed Republican ideology of starving public schools and denying children health care.  Like a typical politician, the incumbent seems to have forgotten who she represents.